Johnny Murtagh to ride less in Britain

MULTIPLE Irish champion jockey Johnny Murtagh has become the latest Ireland-based rider to announce he will drastically reduce his appearances in Britain due to the controversial new whip rules.

Murtagh, retained rider for the Aga Khan in Ireland, said on Tuesday that he couldnot risk the lengths of the bans he could gain in Britain and that boss John Oxx had advised him not to ride in Britain "on ordinary days".

Murtagh added: "You won't see me in the lead-up to major meetings like Royal Ascot and races like the Derby any more.

"I'll probably draw the line at Group races only. It's just too risky.  I can't be picking up five-day bans or worse for committing the most minor of riding offences."

Murtagh went on to reveal that he had only ridden at Newbury on Saturday after being persuaded by trainer William Haggas whose horse Beaten Up won the Group 3 St Simon Stakes.

Murtagh's decision echoes that of leading jump jockey Ruby Walsh, who has withdrawn from action at Chepstow on Tuesday and vowed not to ride at Wetherby on Friday. He is also not certain to go to Wetherby on Saturday.

Walsh's decision came after receiving a five-day ban at Aintree on Saturday for exceeding the eight-strike limit by one and the jockey on Tuesday lodged an appeal against that punishment.

Professional Jockeys Association chief executive Kevin Darley said: "I have huge sympathy for Johnny, Ruby and all the Irish boys.  They risk picking up long bans for minor offences in Britain that will stop them riding at home.  It's understandable that they are going to restrict themselves to only the top races in this country."